Affordable Pool Removal | DIY Guide

Pool Removal Scranton PA
Removing a pool in Scranton, PA

If you look in your back yard, you may see a pool that has reached the end of its life. Many above-ground pools have a lifespan of 20 years, and after that can become problematic. Pool removal may be the only option to save a pool that has been neglected or is failing.

If you realize that your pool is ready to get removed, continue reading to find out how simple it is to demolish a pool.

Get Pumping

Pool Removal Wilkes-Barre PA
Pumping out an old pool

The first step in demolishing an above ground pool is to pump it out! Typically, the easiest way to do this is to rent a trash pump from a rental company.

We recommend renting a 3″ trash pump, as smaller pumps take exponentially longer to pump out a pool. Typically, this rental cost is $50 for the day. It is important to note where you are draining the pool water to, as pools hold thousands of gallons of water and can easily flood a street or neighbor’s yard!

Remember that when operating a trash pump that you must prime the pump with water in order to get it pumping. Once it starts pumping, stand back and let the water flow!

Begin Cutting

Above Ground Pool Removal
Cutting up old pool

Now that the pool is empty, the next step is to begin cutting the old pool up. The best tool to use is a reciprocating saw, or “Sawzall”.

Purchase a pack of good-quality high tooth count metal cutting blades and safety glasses to make sure you have the right tools for the job. Cut the pool into 6 or 7 sections. This way they are small and light enough to load into a truck when finished.

Once the pool is cut up, the next step is to remove the liner. Pool liners can get very heavy, and cannot be taken out with household trash. Typically, you will need to rent a dumpster or hire a junk removal company to haul the liner and other debris away.

Cleanup

Pool Removal Scranton PA
Filling in a pool

Once the pool has been drained and cut up, the next part is the most important – cleaning up! The metal from the pool frame & sides can be taken to a scrap yard and you can expect to receive roughly $50 in scrap value for the metal.

As stated previously, the liner will need to be hauled to a landfill yourself, or placed in a dumpster or hauled away by a junk removal service.

Once the area is clear, there may be a low spot in area where the pool sat. Typically, 5-10 tons of topsoil will fill in the area so you can plant grass over it.

Hire the Professionals

Does this sound like a lot of work for you? For a homeowner to complete this project, it will take a full day of work for 2 people, and incur approximately $250-500 in expenses depending on certain factors.

Hiring a company such as A+ Enterprises Demolition Service may be a better option, as most of our above ground pool demolition & removal projects are under $1,000 and we do all the work and removing the items for you! We serve the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area and all of Northeast PA.


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    • Very nice to deal with. Showed up promptly. Worked throughout the entire day. Did a fabulous job! Would highly recommend.

      Sandra Hill Avatar Sandra Hill
      June 11, 2020

      Very professional. Very polite. Efficient. I will use this company again. Prices were reasonable.

      Mary Jane Meaney Avatar Mary Jane Meaney
      February 23, 2019

      Awesome company! My uncle passed away, and we were cleaning out his house. We had a lot of items to donate to the Salvation Army. I called the Salvation Army but they couldn’t pick up for a month. I called A Plus & they came two days later. The Two young men who came to pick up were polite, respectful & very efficient. The price was reasonable too. I will definitely use A Plus in the future.

      Kevin Kittrick Avatar Kevin Kittrick
      May 6, 2021
    • Professional Service and Very Affordable. Fast and Efficient. I highly recommend.

      Doug Fedor Avatar Doug Fedor
      August 25, 2020

      Great service! Was able to schedule a pickup very easily and quickly - at my convenience. The crew was very professional and worked quickly- with great results. Thank you!

      E R Avatar E R
      December 13, 2019

      I called and it was picked up immediately and scheduled the service with ease. Crew arrived and job was completed as promised. Crew was professional, friendly and courteous. Very impressed.

      A Thur Avatar A Thur
      March 13, 2021
    • EXTREMELY PLEASANT AND PROFESSIONAL! Gave them a call to remove some old furniture and assorted boxes of junk. They said the had a crew in my area the next morning and could be here at 9am. Arrived right at 9 on the dot and got straight to work. They battled through all my cobwebs and work quick and efficiently. No trouble or damage from moving some big items in narrow areas. The price they quoted was great value for all the work they did. I have already and will continue to HIGHLY recommend them.

      Michael Machion Avatar Michael Machion
      August 3, 2019

      Can’t thank the guy we spoke to enough! He was wonderful to us! We were in a last minute crunch to get rid of stuff and he worked with us and even went way out of his way to accommodate our needs! He truly has great customer support and was beyond generous! Can’t thank this awesome company enough! It meant a lot to us!! We highly recommend!

      Kaitlyn Szorady Avatar Kaitlyn Szorady
      July 11, 2020

      Excellent communication starting from the first call through our entire demolition project. Answered the phone and responded to emails and texts promptly. Got the job done quickly and efficiently. Highly recommend A+ Enterprises.

      Michelle Pennington Avatar Michelle Pennington
      June 10, 2020
    • The 3 man crew did a fantastic job in clearing out and disposing of several large and small items that still remained after a 2 day estate sale. Items removed included beds and mattresses, 3 couches, bedroom chest of drawers, old refrigerator and electric stove, computer desk, old and very heavy television, several tools plus much more.Very courteous workers and owner was great to work with. Highly recommend and you won’t be disappointed.

      Rich Winslow Avatar Rich Winslow
      August 21, 2019

      The price was amazing and the workers were professional. They completed the job within a short period of time and I’m having them come back for more work. Thanks A plus

      Maurice Oates Avatar Maurice Oates
      May 22, 2020

      One of the best companies I have ever dealt with. Professional, courteous, reasonable and efficient. Highly recommend.

      Lynette Villano Avatar Lynette Villano
      April 4, 2019
    • Fantastic customer service. Sal was on time, very responsive to messages and professional. The price for the dumpster was very reasonable also. I have had issues with other junk removal companies in the past and wish I had found them sooner. I will definitely use them again in the future.

      Erin G Avatar Erin G
      October 17, 2019

      EXTREMELY PLEASANT AND PROFESSIONAL! Gave them a call to remove some old furniture and assorted boxes of junk. They said the had a crew in my area the next morning and could be here at 9am. Arrived right at 9 on the dot and got straight to work. They battled through all my cobwebs and work quick and efficiently. No trouble or damage from moving some big items in narrow areas. The price they quoted was great value for all the work they did. I have already and will continue to HIGHLY recommend them.

      Michael Machion Avatar Michael Machion
      August 3, 2019

      Kyle and Joe were wonderful! Very efficient process. I called and gave brief information to a very professional person. They came out the next day. Wiped their feet, quoted me a very fair price, and removed my furniture. I’m very pleased with their service and friendliness. I will definitely recommend them to my family and friends! Meredith R.

      Meredith Rynkiewicz Avatar Meredith Rynkiewicz
      August 14, 2019

    Pool Removal FAQs

    What does pool removal cost?

    The average cost to pump out & demolish an above-ground pool is roughly $900. That price includes all labor, demolition, cleanup, and disposal fees.

    Is there scrap value in an old pool?

    The average pool is worth between $50 and $100 in scrap value depending on the weight.

    How do I drain the water out of a pool?

    You can drain the water out of a pool by renting a 3 inch trash pump and pumping the pool out. Do not pump out in-ground pools more than halfway, as damage may occur.

    What do you fill in pools with?

    Depending on the customer’s needs and budget, we fill in pools with either raw fill dirt or structural fill (modified crusher run). The price varies depending on the type of material used.